Human Rights & Fair Employment Practices

Americans with Disabilities Act

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other statutes specifically prohibit employment discrimination against "qualified individuals with disabilities."   Also protected are persons discriminated against because they have a known association or relationship with a disabled individual.  A qualified individual with a disability is a person who has legitimate skills, experience, education, or other requirements of an employment position that he or she holds or seeks and who can perform the "essential functions" of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.  To be considered "disabled" under ADA, a person must have a physical or mental condition that impairs a major life activity, a history of such a condition, or be regarded as having such a condition.

The Office of Human Rights and Fair Employment Practices investigates complaints of discrimination and accessibility on the basis of disability.  It provides County departments with information and training on compliance with the ADA in all employment actions.

The Office administers requests for the Reasonable Accommodation Fund, established to provide resources for auxiliary devices for applicants and employees.